Gannon on Raiders-Chiefs

Rich Gannon was a quarterback for the Chiefs in the 1990s, then helped the Raiders to three straight AFC West championships. He talked to the Kansas City Star about the rivalry and Sunday’s game:

“I get the sense this group of players doesn’t really appreciate it,” Gannon said. “I think the Raiders feel more of a sense of urgency when they play the Chargers or the Broncos than the Chiefs. It’s still a division game and still important from that perspective, but I just remember how important is used to be. There was a lot of pushing, a lot of shoving, some fights.”

He is happy both teams are on the upswing, with the Chiefs 5-2 and the Raiders 4-4.

“I have a soft spot in my heart for both places. I’ve got such great memories from both places. It’s nice to see both of them winning again and having some success. It’s been too long. Football is better when those two teams are better. It’s better when that rivalry means something.”

Oakland has won two straight games, putting up 92 points, after a 2-4 start.

“I won’t suggest they’re out of the woods but when they get both of their backs going, they’re tough,” he said.

“What Al Davis has always been about is the vertical passing game. The Raiders have always tried to attack through the air. But that’s not what this team is all about any more. You look at what they’re getting at the wide receiver positions, it just doesn’t scare you. It’s the running game. Their two offensive tackles are a real liability in the passing game. They can’t pass protect. But they can run the football.”

Gannon might have been half-referring to Mario Henderson, who lost his starting left tackle job to Jared Veldheer two weeks ago.